John, you would have been very proud of your brain child, the 233x! You can look down from Heaven and know that Bryant Boats did an awesome job of fulfilling your DREAM! The 233x is one SWEET boat!
Sunday, February 5, 2012
John "Walkabout" Sisson and Bryant Boats
Bryant Boats, Sweetwater, TN has debuted their newest creation . . . the 233X
Knoxville Boat Show
GREAT day, GREAT friends, GREAT boats . . . Spent Saturday afternoon at the Knoxville Boat Show with friends, followed by dinner at Wild Wings Cafe' and we rounded out the evening relaxing at Chuck & Joan's house. Thank you Chuck & Joan for hosting a wonderful evening.
33 happy customers (a/k/a Bryantheads) and one happy President of Bryant Boats
You are all amazing! LUV you guys! Boating season is just around the corner and plans are in the making for another fantastic year of water activities. In the mean time, it's events such as the boat shows and impromptu gatherings that get us through the Winter. Spring will be here before we know it.
Our Spring Cruise is tenatively scheduled for April 27, 28 & 29. Firming up lodging arrangements this week and will post details shortly on http://www.bryantboatowners.com/. Thank you George for all your help in planning our first outting.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
TWENTY ONE YEARS
Twenty One years ago today, I married the love of my life, my best friend, my soul mate <3 Happy Anniversary John <3 Looking forward to another 21+ years together <3
We married after having only known each other for 6 months, but we knew it was destiny. In July of 1990, I was spending the weekend out on one of the little islands in Tampa Bay, celebrating my Brother-In-Laws Birthday. I had sailed out on Salt Wind with my sister, BIL and some friends. The weather was beautiful and we all set up our tents and camping gear getting ready for a fantastic weekend. Spent a wonderful evening around the bonfire with family and friends. Off to my tent I go (which was one of those ancient old green canvas ones with the roll flap windows). Snuggled down with a good book and slumber came quickly after an exhausting day. I was very rudely awakened by a horrific down pour of rain accompanied by thunder, lightening and crazy winds. I exited the tent to close those pesky little flaps and to my amazement, the wind lifted the tent off the ground and blew it down the beach. Needless to say, sleep was out of the question. As Florida storms go, this one came and went quickly. I retrieved my lawn chair and spent a restless night on the hot and humid beach.
The next afternoon as more guests arrived, I spotted a handsome fellow approaching on a nice boat with a cozy cuddy cabin - I say to myself that is where I'm sleeping tonight :-) My sister introduced us and we hit it off immediately. We spent a wonderful weekend together and YES, I slept on his boat! He gave me a ride back to my apartment and me being the lady that I am, I invited him in for a drink. I was going to the shower and he asked what I wanted him to fix for dinner. I curtly replied that I had not invited him to stay for dinner. I got in the shower and he left, only to return shortly with dinner fixings. We had dinner and drinks and he never left. So, as they say, "the rest is history"!
It's been a great 21 years. We have shared good times and bad, but through it all, our love endures.
We married after having only known each other for 6 months, but we knew it was destiny. In July of 1990, I was spending the weekend out on one of the little islands in Tampa Bay, celebrating my Brother-In-Laws Birthday. I had sailed out on Salt Wind with my sister, BIL and some friends. The weather was beautiful and we all set up our tents and camping gear getting ready for a fantastic weekend. Spent a wonderful evening around the bonfire with family and friends. Off to my tent I go (which was one of those ancient old green canvas ones with the roll flap windows). Snuggled down with a good book and slumber came quickly after an exhausting day. I was very rudely awakened by a horrific down pour of rain accompanied by thunder, lightening and crazy winds. I exited the tent to close those pesky little flaps and to my amazement, the wind lifted the tent off the ground and blew it down the beach. Needless to say, sleep was out of the question. As Florida storms go, this one came and went quickly. I retrieved my lawn chair and spent a restless night on the hot and humid beach.
The next afternoon as more guests arrived, I spotted a handsome fellow approaching on a nice boat with a cozy cuddy cabin - I say to myself that is where I'm sleeping tonight :-) My sister introduced us and we hit it off immediately. We spent a wonderful weekend together and YES, I slept on his boat! He gave me a ride back to my apartment and me being the lady that I am, I invited him in for a drink. I was going to the shower and he asked what I wanted him to fix for dinner. I curtly replied that I had not invited him to stay for dinner. I got in the shower and he left, only to return shortly with dinner fixings. We had dinner and drinks and he never left. So, as they say, "the rest is history"!
It's been a great 21 years. We have shared good times and bad, but through it all, our love endures.
The night we met in July, 1990
Our 19th Anniversary at a comedy club in Louisville, KY
Saturday, January 14, 2012
The Truck Horrors Of 2011
As you probably know, John and I are truckers and we own our own truck and trailer. 2011 was not a good year for neither the truck nor our wallets. In addition to the breakdown in May out in Wyoming, we had many more issues throughout the year - tires, turbo charger, radiator, hoses, belts, brakes and the list goes on with a GRAND FINALE on November 29 . . . the engine seized up requiring a rebuild! On the bright side, we are running a dedicated run out of Memphis, TN and that is where she decided to croak, so we were not stranded.
Got the truck back on the 4th of January and are back to work. 2012 is looking better and we are hoping for the dedicated run to become a long-term contract.
May your new year be HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and FILLED WITH DREAMS COME TRUE!
Got the truck back on the 4th of January and are back to work. 2012 is looking better and we are hoping for the dedicated run to become a long-term contract.
May your new year be HAPPY, PROSPEROUS and FILLED WITH DREAMS COME TRUE!
Lost Sheep Ministries - Feeding the Homeless in Knoxville
To protect the identity of anyone at this event, I have chosen not to post any pictures.
First, I want to say a HUGE "Thank You" to Joe Bryant of Black Eyed Joe's BBQ (and Bryant Boats) and Maxine of Lost Sheep Ministries for allowing myself and my fellow BBOers to experience such an event. I was in total awe at the number of volunteers it takes to pull this off each month. On the last Wednesday of each month, Joe and Maxine coordinate feeding more than 500 of Knoxville's homeless. In addition to feeding them, volunteers put together bags for each of them with drinks, snacks and other goodies. A clothing bank also attends to provide clothing. A little live music (performed by one of the homeless) and some testimonials round out the evening. In spite of their circumstances, all left with a full belly and a smile. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, even tornadoes will not keep Joe, Maxine and the volunteers from their most gracious act of kindness. This is another rather late post as we participated in this during our Bryant Boatowner's Homecoming in June 2011.
A humbling experience for sure.
First, I want to say a HUGE "Thank You" to Joe Bryant of Black Eyed Joe's BBQ (and Bryant Boats) and Maxine of Lost Sheep Ministries for allowing myself and my fellow BBOers to experience such an event. I was in total awe at the number of volunteers it takes to pull this off each month. On the last Wednesday of each month, Joe and Maxine coordinate feeding more than 500 of Knoxville's homeless. In addition to feeding them, volunteers put together bags for each of them with drinks, snacks and other goodies. A clothing bank also attends to provide clothing. A little live music (performed by one of the homeless) and some testimonials round out the evening. In spite of their circumstances, all left with a full belly and a smile. Rain or shine, sleet or snow, even tornadoes will not keep Joe, Maxine and the volunteers from their most gracious act of kindness. This is another rather late post as we participated in this during our Bryant Boatowner's Homecoming in June 2011.
A humbling experience for sure.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Gotta Take The Good With The Bad
Life is definitely an adventure and you never know what is going to be served up on the dish of life. We gotta take the good with the bad, and the last couple of weeks have been pretty rough. It started with an overnight hospital stay for me - gall bladder infection aggravated by heartburn and acid reflux. Tons of antibiotics, 14 days of Prilosec and we're back to being in good health. Of course though, this was just the beginning of 2 weeks from HELL! Now, mind you, though I have complained vehemently about those 2 weeks, I have also kept in mind and expressed as well that though our problems seem abundant, we are still more forutnate than so many, and for that we are thankful.
So, I get out of the hospital, go back to our hotel, eat a bowl of chicken noodle soup and slept for 21 hours! You all know that you get NO sleep whatsoever at a hospital and added to the fact that the nurses wake you every 4 hours, we had a tornado warning and sat out in the hall for about 3 hours. No sleeping there for fear that your gown will gape open and scare the other patients to death!
After my much needed "nap", we had a nice evening, just me, hubby and the pups. The next day was dedicated to truck errands (fixing a light, new tire, and a few other minor issues). Well, the new tire quickly became 4 new tires and all the other issues were resolved with no incidents. Another good night sleep and we go pick up our load headed for Salt Lake City, UT. Life is good . . . WRONG! Middle of no-where Wyoming and our truck makes a horrid sound and shuts down. Thankfully we were going down hill or we would not have made it to the shoulder. After a little investigation, we discovered that the strap holding our spare tire on the back of the truck had come loose, wrapped around the drive train and in spinning, grabbed hold of every piece of wiring and yanked it all out. We had a few pieces as evidence, but most was scattered down I80. Tow bill = $614.00 and that was just the beginning! Main wiring harness for engine computer no where to be found in North America, YES, that's right - not a single one in the US, Canada or Mexico! I think Freightliner could put some unemployed folks to work and stock up their warehouses - I'm just saying! Five days later, harness comes in. Two more days for repairs to include all the re-wiring of the truck, U Joints, 2 new batteries and a drive shaft bearing. Total for this week long fiasco to include revenue paid to have load repowered and delivered = $9,000+!!! This doesn't include the hotel and eating out.
All is well with the Universe and we are back on the road. Drove to SLC to pick up empty trailer, back to KS to pick up our loaded trailer and headed back to SLC . . . lights go out, truck starts beeping and we're loosing power . . . ARGH! Alternator gone bad = $390 (no labor on this as hubby installed it). Next day 2 blown tires on the trailer and at this point I am ready to scream! However, keeping in mind that we are still more fortunate than so many, I keep smiling and chanting - "it will get better, it will get better, it will get better".
We have now been a week with no issues. Work has been busy and good paying. We are planning to be home by next Thursday or Friday and are packing the camper and boat and heading to Lotterdale Cove on beautiful Lake Tellico/Ft. Loudon for 8 days of good food, good friends, good times with a group of simply amazing people.
In spite of it all . . . LIFE IS GOOD!
So, I get out of the hospital, go back to our hotel, eat a bowl of chicken noodle soup and slept for 21 hours! You all know that you get NO sleep whatsoever at a hospital and added to the fact that the nurses wake you every 4 hours, we had a tornado warning and sat out in the hall for about 3 hours. No sleeping there for fear that your gown will gape open and scare the other patients to death!
After my much needed "nap", we had a nice evening, just me, hubby and the pups. The next day was dedicated to truck errands (fixing a light, new tire, and a few other minor issues). Well, the new tire quickly became 4 new tires and all the other issues were resolved with no incidents. Another good night sleep and we go pick up our load headed for Salt Lake City, UT. Life is good . . . WRONG! Middle of no-where Wyoming and our truck makes a horrid sound and shuts down. Thankfully we were going down hill or we would not have made it to the shoulder. After a little investigation, we discovered that the strap holding our spare tire on the back of the truck had come loose, wrapped around the drive train and in spinning, grabbed hold of every piece of wiring and yanked it all out. We had a few pieces as evidence, but most was scattered down I80. Tow bill = $614.00 and that was just the beginning! Main wiring harness for engine computer no where to be found in North America, YES, that's right - not a single one in the US, Canada or Mexico! I think Freightliner could put some unemployed folks to work and stock up their warehouses - I'm just saying! Five days later, harness comes in. Two more days for repairs to include all the re-wiring of the truck, U Joints, 2 new batteries and a drive shaft bearing. Total for this week long fiasco to include revenue paid to have load repowered and delivered = $9,000+!!! This doesn't include the hotel and eating out.
All is well with the Universe and we are back on the road. Drove to SLC to pick up empty trailer, back to KS to pick up our loaded trailer and headed back to SLC . . . lights go out, truck starts beeping and we're loosing power . . . ARGH! Alternator gone bad = $390 (no labor on this as hubby installed it). Next day 2 blown tires on the trailer and at this point I am ready to scream! However, keeping in mind that we are still more fortunate than so many, I keep smiling and chanting - "it will get better, it will get better, it will get better".
We have now been a week with no issues. Work has been busy and good paying. We are planning to be home by next Thursday or Friday and are packing the camper and boat and heading to Lotterdale Cove on beautiful Lake Tellico/Ft. Loudon for 8 days of good food, good friends, good times with a group of simply amazing people.
In spite of it all . . . LIFE IS GOOD!
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Bryanthead's Spring Cruise - April 29 & 30 and May 1, 2011
Let me start with an explanation of what a "Bryanthead" is . . . that would be one who owns a Bryant powerboat, is totally obsessed with it and who lives for our Bryant outtings. And when I say obsessed, I truly mean obsessed, just ask any Bryanthead, or come to one of our outtings and you'll see what I mean. I have never in my life met a more loyal, friendly and simply amazing group of people. One common interest has brought together a group of folks who now share an awesome friendship, not to mention some good recipes (these folks love to eat and drink) and some great adventures.
Bryantheads in attendance on the Spring Cruise 2011: John & Debbie and Titan & Elmo(DebbaritaVille), Mike & Becky w/guests Robb & Judy (New Blue Obsession), Dave & Donna and Powder (Shifting Colors), Doug & Jane and Seven (Dea Latis II), George & Karen w/guests David & Amie (Stimulated) and Jeff & Dina (ThinkFun).
16 amazing people, 4 furry friends, 6 Bryant boats, 4 days on the water (3 for everyone except us and Dave and Powder), more than 400 miles (300+ for everyone else), 4 lakes (Watts Bar, Chickamauga, Nickajack and Guntersville), 3 locks, lots of good food, 2 gallons of Debbaritas, 2 quarts of Apple Pie, 2 nights at Hale's Bar with no electricity, cold showers, 2 overflowing toilets, a haunted powerhouse, a mystery ghost runner, an unexpected plunge in the lock water by a fellow Bryanthead, a lost anchor, a lost cell phone, a pair of shoes swooped up by a crow, a few mishaps with the lock walls, a late evening cruise after dinner in Chattanooga, late night heavy barge traffic, and an OOPS with a green marker buoy . . . just how much fun can one group of folks have?
A black cloud was over us even before we began our journey. On the Wednesday before the cruise, John Sisson, a Bryant employee and dear friend who was to join us for the weekend, had an anurism (sp?). Emergency surgery and an assurance that all was well left us feeling very fortunate. However, it was his time to go and did not survive the night. RIP John, you are loved and will be greatly missed.
Also on that same Wednesday evening, a line of severe storms and tornadoes ravaged through MS, AL, TN and GA destroying much in their path. Hale's Bar, fortunately, only suffered the loss of power (hence no electricity, cold showers and overflowing toilets). Many homes and lives were lost that evening. As our group always says, we are a truly blessed group of individuals and are all thankful for all that we have. Thursday evening also brought more severe storms and more damage.
John and I were fortuante to have gotton 4 days out instead of only 3. We spent Thursday on Watts Bar with Dave and Powder. We went to Sand Island and let the dogs wear themselves out. And worn out they were.
Bryantheads in attendance on the Spring Cruise 2011: John & Debbie and Titan & Elmo(DebbaritaVille), Mike & Becky w/guests Robb & Judy (New Blue Obsession), Dave & Donna and Powder (Shifting Colors), Doug & Jane and Seven (Dea Latis II), George & Karen w/guests David & Amie (Stimulated) and Jeff & Dina (ThinkFun).
16 amazing people, 4 furry friends, 6 Bryant boats, 4 days on the water (3 for everyone except us and Dave and Powder), more than 400 miles (300+ for everyone else), 4 lakes (Watts Bar, Chickamauga, Nickajack and Guntersville), 3 locks, lots of good food, 2 gallons of Debbaritas, 2 quarts of Apple Pie, 2 nights at Hale's Bar with no electricity, cold showers, 2 overflowing toilets, a haunted powerhouse, a mystery ghost runner, an unexpected plunge in the lock water by a fellow Bryanthead, a lost anchor, a lost cell phone, a pair of shoes swooped up by a crow, a few mishaps with the lock walls, a late evening cruise after dinner in Chattanooga, late night heavy barge traffic, and an OOPS with a green marker buoy . . . just how much fun can one group of folks have?
A black cloud was over us even before we began our journey. On the Wednesday before the cruise, John Sisson, a Bryant employee and dear friend who was to join us for the weekend, had an anurism (sp?). Emergency surgery and an assurance that all was well left us feeling very fortunate. However, it was his time to go and did not survive the night. RIP John, you are loved and will be greatly missed.
Also on that same Wednesday evening, a line of severe storms and tornadoes ravaged through MS, AL, TN and GA destroying much in their path. Hale's Bar, fortunately, only suffered the loss of power (hence no electricity, cold showers and overflowing toilets). Many homes and lives were lost that evening. As our group always says, we are a truly blessed group of individuals and are all thankful for all that we have. Thursday evening also brought more severe storms and more damage.
John and I were fortuante to have gotton 4 days out instead of only 3. We spent Thursday on Watts Bar with Dave and Powder. We went to Sand Island and let the dogs wear themselves out. And worn out they were.
Titan, Elmo & Powder at Sand Island on Watts Bar Lake in TN
This was their first encounter with water (other than a bath of course)
Our boys and Powder. They had a great time playing together!
Whatcha lookin' at?
One tired little puppy!
John & I on DebbaritaVille locking through Watts Bar to Chickamauga.
"THINKFUN"
"SHIFTING COLORS"
"DEA LATIS II"
"STIMULATED"
"NEW BLUE OBSESSION"
Definitely an adventure to remember. In spite of the "black clouds", we had a wonderful time with absolutely amazing friends. Looking forward to our Homecoming on Tellico in June.
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